Special to the Journal

Neshaszda Brown, a junior majoring in middle grades education, has been selected to represent Albany State University as its queen for 2011-2012. She was crowned in a pageant held March 26 in ASU’s ACAD Auditorium.”

“I am excited,” Brown said. “I feel privileged and grateful. God is good. I am thankful that he continues to use me every day.”

In an event billed as an “Explosion of Beauty and Charm,” Brown earned the coveted crown while Natalie Lewis and Janelle Parker, both junior mass communication majors, were selected first and second attendant to Miss ASU, respectively.

Brown, a resident of Atlanta, was born in Panama. She is the daughter of Eugene and Phyllis Brown. Her winning platform is “Get driven towards your dreams. Drive your dreams to reality.”

Her long range goal is to become a successful middle grades mathematics teacher. My immediate plan is to “drive ASU to success,” she said.

The pageant judged the candidates in the areas of oratorical, talent, business attire, swim and evening wear, and an on-stage interview.

The program also featured the competition for Mr. Royal Gentleman. Christopher Atkinson, a junior speech and theatre major was chosen as Mr. Royal Gentleman. Antwan Jackson, a junior mass communication major, will serve as first royal gentleman.

Atkinson, a native of Lithonia, Ga., graduated from Miller Grove High School in 2008. He is the son of Benjy and Denise Atkinson. He plans to become a notable and award-winning actor, singer, director and philanthropist. Atkinson’s platform is “The Impact Movement, the Time is NOW!!! (Making an impact now, in order to impact the world tomorrow!)”

“It is truly an honor to be Mr. Royal Gentleman 2011-2012,” Atkinson said. “I remember being a freshman and saying how I wanted to one day fulfill this esteemed position, and now I have the privilege to do so. This opportunity extends beyond the title, for it is truly an opportunity to make an inevitable impact here at ASU.”

The royal gentleman candidates were judged on their opening presentations, business attire, an oratorical performance, evening wear and an interview.

Kendria Bailey, Miss ASU 2005-2006 and now a professional singer, was a special guest at the event and gave a memorable solo performance.

Neshaszda Brown, Miss Albany State University 2011-2012

Miss ASU 2011-2012 Neshaszda Brown and Christopher Atkinson, Mr. Royal Gentleman.

Photographs by: reginald.christian@asurams.edu